Contact: Kelsey Skidmore

(916) 353-5200 x. 3316

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Rocklin, CA) July 12, 2008 - School is out for the summer, but exciting things are happening in the Rocklin Unified School District. Construction is underway at Sunset Ranch Elementary School, located within Whitney Ranch, the amenity-focused master plan in Rocklin. Scheduled to open in August of 2010, Sunset Ranch will service kindergarten through sixth grades and have a maximum capacity of 700 students.

The Rocklin Unified School District Board of Directors chose the name Sunset Ranch after a community-wide request for name submissions. There were many names submitted from school staff, teachers, parents and even students.

Sunset Ranch Elementary will be a replica of Ruhkala Elementary in Rocklin, a layout and blueprint that has proved to be very successful for the Rocklin Unified School District. The school will feature a large multi-purpose room, 4 wings of classrooms, a fully stocked library and adjoining computer lab. Multiple sports fields adjoin to a neighborhood park. Sunset Ranch will feature some upgrades, now that the plans are in their fifth generation.

“All classrooms will be smart classrooms,” explained Sue Wesselius, Director of Facilities for Rocklin Unified School District. “They are each equipped with an LCD projector which is integrated to the teacher’s computer and projects on a 100 inch screen in the front of the classroom.”

The smart classroom features also allow teachers to stream educational video right into the classroom. Built-in speakers in the ceiling help engage students in the videos and presentations.

About Whitney Ranch
Developed by Newland Communities, in partnership with IHP Partners, Whitney Ranch is Rocklin’s newest amenity-focused master planned community encompassing 1,200 acres at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in northwest Rocklin. Built by some of the areas most respected and well known builders, these single-family detached homes at Whitney Ranch are unlike those in any other master planned community. The community features distinctive ranch-themed architecture in each of the neighborhoods of single-family detached homes. Whitney Ranch is home to two solar communities and offers something for every homebuyer.

The Ranch House, a resident-exclusive community center opened this spring. Designed as a place for resident families and friends to gather, play, relax and enjoy all year, residents are invited to make themselves at home in the Hideaway Hills Lounge and enjoy the Grand Chaparral Ballroom, demonstration kitchen and much more.  Outside is a 4,000 square foot pool, shaded cabanas, picnic lawn and BBQ area for residents to enjoy on warmer days. All of the single-family home residents at Whitney Ranch are members and have exclusive access to all the homeowner facilities on site, many of which can be reserved for special occasions or large gatherings. Available throughout the facility, The Ranch House features wireless internet access, allowing residents the opportunity to balance relaxation with the convenience of staying connected. You may schedule a tour by contacting the Whitney Ranch at or one of the neighborhood builder offices.

Whitney Community Park is also a must-see in this amenity- focused master plan. Phase One of the Whitney Community Park features lighted softball and baseball fields along with convenient parking, a concession area and restrooms. The spotlight of the community park is its signature play area which includes a three story one-of-a-kind super play structure, and the just-opened squirt park which will be open throughout the summer months. Along with Whitney Community Park, Whitney Ranch also features an extensive network of walking and biking trails, acres of preserved natural open space and neighborhood parks.

Whitney Community Park is located south of Whitney High School at the corner of Wildcat Boulevard and Whitney Ranch Parkway. To learn more about Rocklin Parks and Recreation visit their web page at http://www.rocklin.ca.us listed under the City Services menu.

The Whitney Ranch Information Center is currently closed. During this time, community builder information and driving maps are available just outside the Information Center gate. To visit Whitney Ranch, take I-80 to Hwy 65 North. Take a right on Sunset Boulevard, left on W. Stanford Ranch Road, then left on Wildcat Boulevard.  Take Wildcat Boulevard to Bridlewood Drive and the Outdoor Information Center will be on the left. Or set your GPS coordinates to Latitude: 38.830400 Longitude: -121.288109. For more information visit http://www.WhitneyRanch.net.
###